Even though we just got back from the holidays, now is the time of year when we begin planning our vacations. The best vacations usually require a good bit of planning in advance — and this also gives us the opportunity to get excited about an upcoming trip.
Many people are bored with the same old types of beach vacations; the sand and surf are nice, but they might not provide everything you’re looking for in a getaway. This is why it’s becoming increasingly common for people to seek out vacations that double as yoga retreats.
For many, the benefits of yoga are no longer well-kept secrets. In fact, 36 million Americans currently practice yoga. And is there a better place to practice yoga than Hawaii? We think not! Hawaii is becoming super popular, with many people moving there permanently. In fact, up to 45% of Maui homes were purchased by out-of-state buyers in 2016. However, you can enjoy it as a temporary tropical paradise through an all-inclusive yoga retreat.
Yoga retreats take you beyond just practicing yoga on the beach while staying at a nearby hotel. These retreats are all-inclusive, offering you a full experience.
Nonetheless, it may be difficult to pull the trigger on booking your Hawaii vacation. After all, staying at any all inclusive resort is something of a commitment — and Hawaii isn’t exactly nearby. If you’ve never experienced a yoga retreat before, you may be hesitant to jump into this kind of vacation. With that being said, we’re looking into some of the benefits of vacationing at a yoga retreat in Hawaii, as well as what you should look for in a retreat. After all, there are multiple yoga retreat resorts in Hawaii… and they aren’t all created equal!
What Are the Benefits of a Yoga Retreat Vacation?
There are usually two different kinds of vacations to choose from: the kind that offers endless and constant activities and the kind that focuses on total relaxation. If you’re going to the big city or a theme park on vacation, chances are that you’re going to be running everywhere, doing something at all times, and most likely visiting multiple places.
Now, this can be fun — and there is a time and place for these types of vacations. The fact is, however, that if you’re looking to recharge after a year of hard work, that’s not the way to do it. The solution here is a more relaxing vacation, but you may still find it hard to rest and invest in your wellness if you’re just lying around.
Furthermore, many popular locations for “relaxing vacations” are in very crowded places — after all, almost 60 million people visited American beaches in 2010 alone.
A major benefit of yoga is that it helps people de-stress mentally and physically. Taking the time to clear your mind and meditate is crucial for your mental health. It keeps you from focusing on negative things and encourages positive energy and focus.
Another benefit of yoga, of course, is that throughout all of this you’re actually exercising. Stretching is great for your muscles and performing yoga actually can help you become more toned over time.
Furthermore, yoga encourages good posture and can promote long-term fitness.
Why Choose an All-Inclusive Resort?
Not all yoga retreat resorts are all-inclusive. Technically, you could do yoga anywhere, right? So what are the benefits of going to an all-inclusive yoga retreat resort? The fact is that an all-inclusive resort is simply easier for a lot of people, especially if they’re in an unfamiliar location like Hawaii.
When paying to stay at an all-inclusive resort, you’re not just paying for your accommodations, but your food and beverages as well. Many of these resorts also include things like poolside drink service, as well as the typical inclusions you would expect from most hotels (like housekeeping). All-inclusive resorts include restaurants on-site, which means that you don’t have to leave the resort if you don’t want to (and you certainly don’t have to cook!). Many also offer upgrades, like a personal butler service.
This allows you to really focus on relaxing. You don’t have to venture into the “outside world” and you can concentrate on your yoga. Furthermore, it’s often a great value compared to visiting a resort and paying for everything separately.
What Should I Look For In a Yoga Retreat Resort?
Again, the resort being all-inclusive is a major benefit to consider. After deciding on whether or not you want an all-inclusive resort, the next thing you’ll want to focus on is location.
Many resorts in Hawaii seem to be close to the beach, even though they may actually be a long drive away from the shore. You’ll want to be at a resort that is right on the beach or within a short walking distance of the beach — unless, of course, the beach is not your focus.
In that case, we recommend looking into a more jungle-based resort. The benefit of staying away from the beach is that you will be in a more remote location, further away from people. Hawaii is made up of a string of different islands; Kauai is generally considered the least developed and most “natural” while Oahu is home to more city life.
Of course, every island has its benefits. But when it comes to the resort you choose, pick one that offers qualified yoga instructors and classes that appeal to your specific needs.
Whether you’re focusing on fitness or mental wellness, there should be something that accommodates you specifically. Some resorts even offer classes for kids!
The world is your oyster in Hawaii.
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